BILL CAMER, labelled the “smallest jockey in the world”, has passed away at the age of 92.
The Australian competed during a historic period of the sport in Sydney and won a host of huge races.
They included the Cox Plate on Kingster – a race where he holds the record for being the oldest winning jockey.
He also claimed the Doncaster Mile and Stradbroke Handicaps on Karend, and the Stradbroke Handicaps on Wiggle in 1958 and Divide And Rule in 1970.
During the latter stages of his horse racing career, he also won the 1975 edition of the Epsom Handicap on Authentic Heir.
He raced other iconic jockeys such as George Moore, Neville Sellwood, Jack Thompson, Athol Mulley, Ray Selkrig, Arthur Ward and Billy Cook, holding his own against some of the biggest names in the sport.
Sky Racing’s Ron Dufficy, who was a jockey while Camer was still riding, gave a touching tribute to the legendary racer.
He said: “Billy was a character, a real larrikin.
“When I was an apprentice, he was still riding and was the fittest, old bloke you could ever imagine – he was as hard as nails.”
And Racing NSW’s Chief Executive, Peter V’landys, added: “Bill was highly respected not just by his former colleagues in the jockeys’ room, but by all those in the racing industry that had the pleasure of meeting this gentleman of the turf.
“Bill had a long and distinguished career competing in a golden era of jockeys and will be greatly missed.
“We pass on our sincere condolences to his wife Barbara and their family.”
Camer leaves behind his wife Barbara, son Bradley and daughter Tina.
